Strategic approaches to addressing and resolving crime

criminal justice SARA

Criminal Justice: SARA

The objective of this work is to describe what SARA is and explain how it is used in fighting crimes. In addition, this work will answer as to what type of policing model is SARA most effectively used and why.

is described in the work of Phillip Lyons to be the "dominant model for police problem solving." (2000) The S.A.R.A. model was developed by Eck and Spelman more than a decade ago. The implementation of the S.A.R.A. model includes four steps, which are those as follows: (1) Scanning; (2) Analysis; (3) Response; and (4) Assessment. (Lyons, 2000) The S.A.R.A. model is reported as being "widely applicable to problems faced by many neighborhoods" and to be such that has "produced excellent results for hundreds of communities across the United States." (NAM, 2000) This model is reported to establish a "collaborative systematic process to address issues of community, safety, and quality of life." (NAM, 2000) This model is used primarily in Problem-Oriented and Community Policing initiatives.

I. Scanning

Scanning under the S.A.R.A. model is reported to involve "a determination of what the problem is." (Lyons, 2000) For example, if a complaint has been made about a problem with cars doing excessive speed on a particular street the scanning would make a requirement of investigation into the problem and would like involve monitoring rates of speed and then comparing them to rates of speed on other streets and possible collection of data at various times of day.

II. Analysis

The second step or that of analysis involves an investigation into the problem causes and other issues that might be relevant.

III. Response

The third step or that of response is one that is chosen "based on the seriousness of the problem and the interests at stake which is inclusive of an analysis. This step also involves the office returning to the individual who originally made the complaint to see is the individual perceives there has been any improvement in the situation.

IV. Assessment

The final step of the S.A.R.A. model is that of assessment and Lyons reports that it is this area in which policing "typically falls short." (Lyons, 2000) Assessment is inclusive of "evaluation of the effectiveness of the response." (Lyons, 2000)

V. Community Policing